The winter festivities in Chisinau were officially opened. Those attending the ceremony to inaugurate the Christmas tree in the Great National Assembly Square could attend a performance that involved artistic groups and Santa Claus, IPN reports.

“I came to see the tree, for the first time. The previous years I was every time at work. Now I’m a pensioner and have free time,” stated Tatiana Afanasiev from Chisinau.

“My mother told me the fir tree was set up and we will go to see it this evening. And I came to see the big fir tree,” said Bogdan Ciorici aged seven.

In the opening ceremony, acting mayor of Chisinau municipality Ruslan Codreanu said the period of winter holidays is full of light, magic and hope. A number of 1,700 baubles were put on the fir tree and they represent 1,700 nice things that will be done next year, in 2019. “The Christmas holydays are the period when we express sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who are dear to us,” stated Ruslan Codreanu.

The Christmas tree placed in the central square of Chisinau was donated to the municipality by a company that makes artificial fir trees. The tree has a conic form and is 20 meters in height. It can be used for a period of seven-eight years and can be then renewed by using the same body and modifying the decorations.